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semifinal

1 of 2

adjective

semi·​fi·​nal ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-
-mi-
1
: being next to the last in an elimination tournament
2
: of or participating in a semifinal

semifinal

2 of 2

noun

semi·​fi·​nal ˈse-mē-ˌfī-nᵊl How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
ˈse-ˌmī-
-mi-
1
: a semifinal match
2
: a semifinal round
semifinalist
ˌse-mē-ˈfī-nᵊl-ist How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
ˌse-ˌmī-
-mi-
noun

Examples of semifinal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Winning two of three games in the first round and a conference semifinal match Monday on a subpar home pitch made coach Mikey Varas’ club just the second expansion squad in MLS’ 30 years to reach a conference final. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Nov. 2025 Clampitt scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to help the Indians pull away for 64-13 win against Springtown in a Class 4A Division I regional semifinal Friday at Knight Stadium at Eagle Mountain High School. Cody Thorn, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Nov. 2025
Noun
After winning the regional final game at home against Ridgeview on Saturday afternoon, the team will advance to the Class 2 state semifinal on December 6, one step before the state final set for December 13. Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 1 Dec. 2025 That elimination proved to be controversial, with some believing the premiere of Secret Lives season 3 between the semifinals and finale of DWTS turned the dancing fandom against Leavitt. Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 1 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for semifinal

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1895, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of semifinal was in 1884

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Cite this Entry

“Semifinal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/semifinal. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

semifinal

1 of 2 adjective
semi·​fi·​nal ˌsem-i-ˈfīn-ᵊl How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
1
: coming before the final round in a tournament
2
: of or taking part in a semifinal

semifinal

2 of 2 noun
semi·​fi·​nal ˈsem-i-ˌfīn-ᵊl How to pronounce semifinal (audio)
: a semifinal match or game
semifinalist noun

More from Merriam-Webster on semifinal

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